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15 Laws So Weird You’ll Think We Made Them Up
By CM Chaney · February 11, 2024
15 Laws So Weird You'll Think We Made Them Up
Laws around the world reflect the diverse cultures and values of different countries. Though some regulations may seem odd or amusing from an outside perspective, they shed light on what each society considers important.As we travel to new places, it's wise to research local laws and customs that we may not expect or intuitively understand. Some legislation stems from cultural norms so ingrained that residents follow them instinctively. As visitors, we need to approach differences with open and respectful minds. Understanding the reasoning behind unusual rules can lead to meaningful cultural exchange.
Here are 15 of the weirdest laws from around the world that could get you thrown in jail. Tingey Injury Law Firm / Unsplash
It's Illegal To Chew Gum In Singapore
Singapore banned gum in 1992 after vandals abused it, costing mass transit and public housing agencies huge cleanup costs annually. Apart from therapeutic nicotine and dental gums, importing, selling, or manufacturing gum risks fines or jail, exemplifying Singapore’s low tolerance for antisocial rule-breaking that harms society. Karina Miranda / Unsplash
It's Illegal to Run Out of Gas on the German Autobhan
Germany's Autobahn lures drivers with unlimited speed yet fines them for running out of gas since they expect properly fueled vehicles. Additionally, walking along these highways risks another fine given the dangers of stalled cars. Essentially, use the Autobahn responsibly and watch your gauge to avoid penalties for disruptive mishaps. kimi lee / Unsplash
It's Illegal to Hike Naked in Switzerland
Switzerland permits public nudity except for lascivious acts. Still, a decade ago when German and Swiss nudists took to naked hiking, officials cautioned that public indecency fines could apply. Indeed, in 2011, one naked rambler was fined over $100, proving Swiss neutrality has its limits. Mukuko Studio / Unsplash
It's Illegal to Feed Pigeons in Venice
Tourists flocking to Venice's Saint Mark's Square to feed pigeons, seeking quaint photos yet costing huge cleanup fees, spurred a 2008 law criminalizing the practice with potential €700 fines. Better appreciate La Serenissima's sublime bridges than disturb hallowed tranquility with pesky birds at locals' expense. Marko Dukic / Unsplash
It's Illegal to Ride a Cow While Drunk in Scotland
A quirky 1872 Scottish law forbids riding a cow or other transport while intoxicated, though the statute aims to prevent irresponsible firearm use under influence rather than equestrian misadventures with bovine steeds. Regardless, after too much Scotch, best leave the Highland cattle be and simply marvel at magnificent vistas instead. Screenroad / Unsplash
It's Illegal to Wear a Mask in Public in Denmark
Denmark banned all face coverings in public in 2018, from masks to burkas, ostensibly easing identification during crowded events if misconduct occurs. However, the controversial law provoked protests as opponents considered it discriminatory against religious attire and restrictive of personal liberties. Finan Akbar / Unsplash
It's Illegal to Be Shirtless in Barcelona
Seeking to preserve public decorum, Barcelona banned bikinis, topless bathing suits, and bare chests anywhere but beaches and pools in 2011, imposing fines up to €260 for violations. While the Mediterranean climate lures light dress, the law mandates covered standards of street attire beyond specific recreation areas. rex tavanh / Unsplash
It's Illegal to Swear in the U.A.E.
The UAE's strict decorum laws, enforced by fines, jail, or deportation, ban profanity in speech, gestures, messages, and social media. This year, one angry man faced prison just for vulgar texts to a car dealer. So visitors beware - no indecent language, not even emojis, in ensuring your Emirati etiquette meets local moral standards. krakenimages / Unsplash
It's Illegal to Dance in the Dark After Midnight in Japan
Viewing nighttime dancing as morally corrupting, Japan banned it in 1948 under American occupation. This "Footloose" regulation persisted until 2015 when lifted conditional upon adequate lighting - a compromise to preserve traditional virtues while allowing modern nightlife. So now finally one can dance the night away, as long as neon signs shine. Jase Bloor / Unsplash
It's Illegal to Build a Sandcastle in Spain
Spain bans building sandcastles on its beaches, imposing discretionary fines from €100 in Majorca up to €1,500 in Galicia, applying even to kids with parents paying. While the law seems a cruel blow to childhood whimsy, reasons include protecting fragile coastal ecosystems and preserving pristine shorelines as public property, not personal sandboxes. Dallas Reedy / Unsplash
It's Illegal to Pee in the Ocean in Portugal
Bent on sanitation and hygiene, Portugal decreed its seas forbidden as public lavatories despite murky enforceability, urging instead that beachgoers utilize facilities. While the edict's practicality remains dubious, its spirit admiringly strives to curtail pollution and nurture public health, goals advanced more by conscientious compliance than policing waves. Isai Ramos / Unsplash
It's Illegal to Climb a Tree in Toronto
Despite plentiful forests, an odd Ontario law bans climbing trees anywhere without a permit, even provincially designated parks, carrying fines up to $365 as one enthusiast learned in 2013 at Bellevue Square. While the rationale remains obscure, compliance prevents penalty for reveling in arboreal splendor the Canadian way. leah hetteberg / Unsplash
It's Illegal to Wrestle a Bear in South Africa
In South Africa, it is illegal to wrestle, embrace, or even touch a bear, as this unnecessarily subjects both human and bear to harm, regardless of consent or circumstance.Nevermind that there aren't any bears in South Africa. Vincent van Zalinge / Unsplash
It's Illegal to Kiss on the Street in Guanajuato
Despite renown for its romantic "Kissing Alley" legend, the picturesque Mexican pueblo outlawed public smooching in 2009, ironically dashing hopes of emulating star-crossed lovers. Though sporadically enforced, the peculiar statute persists, perhaps protecting native values from excessive PDA. So save the besos for alleyways, not plazas. John Schnobrich / Unsplash